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Friday, 13 May 2016

Young Trade Unionists' 2016 May Day Brigade to Cuba

28 Young Trade Unionists from across the
British trade union movement visited Cuba to take part in the May Day
celebrations in Havana and to offer their solidarity to the Cuban people on the
2016 Young Trade Unionists May Day Brigade, organised by Cuba Solidarity
Campaign (CSC).

Delegates from Unite, UNISON, GMB, CWU, RMT
and USDAW – representing several million of workers in Britain and Ireland -
joined trade unionists and political activists from around the world in a
programme of solidarity work, political, educational and cultural visits. The
delegates were also international guests at the May Day rally in Havana and the
International Solidarity with Cuba Conference on May 2.

The 28 young members made up the largest
delegation on the camp - a testament to strength of international solidarity
with Cuba within the British trade union movement. Chile, Venezuela, Brazil,
Palestine, Canada and South Africa also sent large delegations and many more
countries from across Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe were represented
on the camp.

Ross Holden, GMB North West & Ireland Region delegate, carrying out agricultural work

The agricultural work, which included
clearing land, cutting grass, weeding, lifting and cleaning, gave a first-hand
insight the struggle of life in Cuba under the ongoing US blockade, which
denies the Cubans access to basic machinery and goods. Transport to the farms was
in the back of open-top trucks or trailers on tractors and cutting grass was
done by hand with machetes; manifestations of a lack of access of resources due
to the blockade.

Unite young members’ returning to the camp by truck after agricultural work

Before departing for Cuba, many of the young
members reported how, following Barack Obama’s recent visit to Cuba and
improving US-Cuba relations, there is a perception amongst colleagues and
friends that the blockade is now over. The delegation saw first-hand that the
ongoing blockade remains in place and Obama’s words of wanting to end the
blockade are a long way from reality as US Congress appears unwilling to end
the over 50 year old policy of aggression towards Cuba.

Political discussions on topics including the
role of trade unions in Cuba, analysis of the Cuban political system, the
ongoing blockade and US intervention in Cuba took place on the camp.

The brigadistas were esteemed international
guests at the May Day Rally Celebration in Havana, where they enjoyed prime
position, a short distance from the podium where Cuban President Rául Castro
and CTC (Cuban TUC) General Secretary Ulises Guilarte greeted the huge crowds.

Teachers carry giant pencils on Havana’s May Day Rally

Up to a million Cuban workers celebrated
International Workers' Day under the slogan: “For Cuba: Unity and Commitment”
in Havana. The huge crowds gave the impression of a national rally – yet
Havana’s rally represented just Havana province - May Day rallies took place in
each of the 15 provinces of the island, including hundreds of thousands of
Cubans marching in Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos and Santa Clara.

The 28 young trade unionists’ at Havana’s May Day Rally

A carnival atmosphere surrounded Havana’s
Revolution Square, where the images of
revolutionary heroes Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos
provided the backdrop to a rally which celebrated the achievements of the Cuban
Revolution. Trade unionists, teachers, doctors, artists and students
contributed to the wide range of colours, flags and banners on display and many
in the crowd carried pictures of Cuba’s revolutionary heroes during the rally.
A live band and dancers added to the celebratory atmosphere, performing a range
of Cuban music styles, with a grand finale of a sing along to the
Internationale.

The brigadistas had free time in Havana
following the rally, where they had the opportunity to visit Old Havana, the
iconic Malecón, the Museum of the Revolution, the Committees of the Defence of
the Revolution (CDR) Museum and the opportunity to soak up the sounds and
sights of the lively capital city.

On May 2 the brigade attended the
International Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba conference at the Conventions
Palace in Havana, the prestigious venue where Cuba’s parliament meets. The
international conference, broadcast on Cuban television, gave the young
activists a valuable insight into Cuban trade unionism and its crucial role in
the government and economic management of the country. The experience of live
translation through earpieces was a first-experience of its kind for many of
the young members.

The Conference included distinguished guest
speakers Salvador Valdes, Cuban Vice-President, Ulises Guilarte, CTC General
Secretary, Ana Teresita Gonzalez, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and two
of the Miami Five heroes, Gerardo Hernandez and Fernando González were in
attendance.

The Miami Five’s Gerardo Hernandez, front left, at the International Solidarity Conference

Over 1,000 international trade unionists
attended, with speakers including Maggie Ryan from the Unite the Union EC and
international speakers from trade unions in Nigeria, Palestine, United States,
Honduras, Brazil, Venezuela and many more contributed to the discussion.

The importance of international solidarity
with Cuba to help end the blockade at this crucial time was the main theme of
the event. Trade unionists from Brazil gave a timely update to the right-wing
coup attempts taking place in their country. Other speakers highlighted how
progressive governments across Latin America are currently under many threats
from US intervention, regional oligarchs and right-wing destabislation
attempts; all of which pose great threats to Latin America and progressives all
over the world.

Ana Teresita Gonzalez gave an update into the
impact of the blockade and highlighted the extensive international solidarity
with Cuba that exists over the world. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
reported how the latest United Nations resolution on the blockade resulted in
191 – 2 in favour of ending the blockade; with just the United States and
Israel supporting the policy; a credit to international solidarity and Cuba’s
diplomacy.

There were many political, cultural and
historical visits included on the brigade including the Martyrs Mausoleum in
Artemisa. The Mausoleum pays tribute to the revolutionaries who lost their
lives during the attacks on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes army
barracks in Santiago de Cuba on 26 July 1953 – the beginning of the July 26
Movement – which led to the successful Cuban Revolution and the ousting of the
US-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista on 1 January 1959.

Here the brigadistas had the honour of
meeting Artemisa resident Ramon Pez Ferro, a veteran from the 26 July Movement,
a guerrilla in the Cuban Revolution and an internationalist fighter for
Angola’s independence, who greeted the young activists on arrival to the
mausoleum.

In Santa Clara, the brigade the visited Che
Guevara Memorial, the burial site of the revolutionary hero. They visited the
nearby armoured train - the scene of the Battle of Santa Clara, where Che’s
battalion attacked a train carrying weapons for Batista - a defining moment for
the success of the Cuban Revolution.

The brigade learned how co-operatives are
playing an increasingly important role in Cuba, running many agricultural
projects with profits being shared between the co-ops and the state. They
visited co-operatives and met with their workers who produce a range of
products using a variety of skills; including brick making, organic sugar cane
and vegetable farming; rearing cattle and producing honey. The brigade had the
unique opportunity to taste honey through a straw - direct from the hive - and
to taste fresh sugar cane juice, metres away from where the cane was grown.

Making bricks at a co-operative in Artemisa

The brigade offered experiences far beyond
that of an average tourist in Cuba, with meetings with the leaders of trade
unions and mass organisations, the Committees for the Defence of the Revolution
(CDR), invitations to conferences, co-operative visits, and the opportunity to
ask questions to both Cuban and international trade unionists. The brigade
visited the Santci Spiritus province during the programme, where a local CDR
organised a street party to get to know their international guests and
demonstrate to the delegation the organising and community work carried out by
the CDR.

Amongst the packed itinerary there was free
time where the young members had time for fun and relaxation. Many walked to
the local village near the camp where they could practice their Spanish with
locals by ordering food and drinks and talk politics - and football – and other
visits including trips to the local beaches and the legendary Tropicana club in
Havana.

Conditions on the camp were basic, with
accommodation in bunk bed dormitories, cold water showers and basic food
provided. The delegation bonded over Cuban beers and Havana Club rum in the
evenings, and the camp’s Cultural Night gave a unique opportunity for the
delegation to perform in front of camp in a performance to represent their
culture.

The delegation’s performance went down well
with the international crowd, with a performance featuring Welsh, Scottish and
Irish songs, with a grand finale of The Beatles’ Hey Jude for a well known sing
along for the crowd. The stall featured whiskey, beers, biscuits, tea, and
trade union branded merchandise which went down a storm amongst the
international camp - particularly the whiskey!

In addition to the unique opportunity of
spending 12 days alongside Cubans, the international element on the camp
allowed the young activists to make friends, contacts and networks with other
activists from all around the world.

Group farewell photo on the camp, in front of pictures of Camilo Cienfuegos and Che Guevara

The brigadistas ended the delegation with a
renewed enthusiasm to become increasingly active in their trade unions and to
work alongside CSC to campaign to end the US blockade of Cuba once and for all,
to return the illegally occupied Guantanamo Bay area to Cuba and to stop US
intervention on the island.

The brigade saw first-hand the achievements
of the Revolution; world-class schools and hospitals despite being under
blockade for over five decades, inspiring organic co-operatives, and proud
communities determined to defend their independence from US intervention.

The Cubans made clear that Cuba needs
international solidarity now more than ever, with the US changing its tactics
rather than their goals. The support and solidarity from the British trade
union movement is invaluable as we work together to end the blockade once and
for all at this crucial time. The support of young members within the movement
is crucial for future solidarity with the island, as Cuba continues to show
that another world - where peoples’ needs are put before profit - is truly possible.

If you are interested in the 2017 brigade, please get in touch with Ollie Hopkins, CSC Campaigns Officer on campaigns@cuba-solidarity.org.uk

Brigadista’s Feedback:

“… a once in a lifetime experience. I've
campaigned in solidarity for Cuba for many years and found it very special.
Standing with Cubans as they marched through Havana, worked in the fields or
sat with a glass of rum in their houses. I've been to Cuba many times on
holiday but have never encountered such real experiences of Cuban society. The
Cuban people struggle with pride and dignity as the revolution overcomes
inevitable contradictions and obstacles placed in its path. We learnt from
strong women who led a local committee for the defence of the revolution and
workers on cooperative farms. Cubans are proud of their revolution and fighting
to continue its successes into the 21st century. Delegates can take home a
sense of inspiration at what can be done and apply it to our workplaces. It was
an honour to represent my union on the best delegation I've ever had the
pleasure to participate in.”

George Waterhouse, RMT

“ Seeing how communities work together, care
for strangers and their own with no question of their economic standing. Yes
there are things that aren't great but it's how the society knows that and put
plans in place to try to improve them that makes the state so different from
anywhere else… there are no homeless people, the elderly, children and disabled
are all priorities in communities. The education and health system is second to
none! (Had to use it myself). I can proudly say these two weeks have been
the most emotional, political, amazing, uplifting time of my life. The best
saying I heard while I was there was that Cuba is like an ant sleeping with an
elephant (America). They have to be aware at every point. U.S. goal has stayed
the same, just not their strategy!”

Mary Hackwood, Unite London and Eastern
Region

“A once in a lifetime opportunity that I feel
so grateful to have experienced. From learning about the struggles imposed on
Cuba from the illegal US blockade to meeting with workers and families on how
they maintain their values and community priorities in spite of the great
difficulties they face. My affirmation to socialism and trade union values is
even more strengthened… The fight goes on!”

Lexy Davies-Jones, Unite Wales

“Travelling to Cuba as part of the Cuba
Solidarity Campaign delegation was life-changing. It allowed me to see there is
a different, fairer way of life and I intend to campaign hard for that here now
that I am home”

Jack England, CWU

“Going to Cuba with CSC shows you the Cuba
away from the tourist trail. Here I met ordinary and often rural communities,
who with their hospitality and generosity treated me as a friend rather than a
visitor. These communities have their own intimate connection to Cuban
socialism and were more than happy to answer questions on Cuba today and their
opinions on current issues such as relations with the U.S. in light of Obama's
recent visit. The brigade taught me a great deal about the island, the
resilience of the Cuban people and their socialism against global challenges,
and it has also inspired me. For me, this trip is only just the beginning. I
will be going back to my GMB branch, Young Members Network and the UK trade
union movement as a whole with everything I have learnt from this trip, working
with them to show full solidarity with Cuba and to campaign with CSC.”

Ross Holden, GMB North West and Ireland Region

“Visiting Cuba with the CSC has been the most
amazing experience of my life. It is inspiring to see how strong the Cuban
people are and how they get by with the limitations from the blockade. The most
important thing that I have taken from this trip is that the people of Cuba
still need our help and solidarity to end the blockade as people think that
since Obama visited this meant it was over. The blockade is unfair and unjust
and has to stop! The people of Cuba need our help and I plan to do all that I
can to do so! VIVA CUBA!”